The Delaware Water Gap and Worthington State Forest are home to a number of very good waterfalls. These include one of the tallest waterfalls in the state: Buttermilk Falls and the popular Van Campens Falls. Aside from those, a less well known trio of waterfalls are located near the ever-popular Mount Tammany and Sunfish Pond. While hiking to those two destinations require some serious uphill climbing, these waterfalls require minimal effort to reach and are perfect for those wanting to experience the park on an easier trail.
Worthington State Forest
Other Attractions: Mount Tammany, Sunfish Pond
Reaching Laurel Falls is fairly easy. There are no official trails, but Lower Laurel Falls and Middle Laurel Falls can be easily reached via user-made trails. For those not wanting to go off official trails, the waterfalls are visible from Old Mine Road (though we highly recommend getting closer).
Lower Laurel Falls
Height: 16 feet
Waterfall Coordinates: 41.012263 -75.081941
Begin at the Douglas Parking Area off Old Mine Road which is just outside the Worthington State Forest campground. Depending on the time of the year you visit, you might see the falls themselves from here. Cross Old Mine Road where you will see two trails: The Orange Garvey Springs Trail on the left, and the Blue Douglas Trail on the right. Briefly walk onto the Blue Douglas Trail on the right side of the stream. Almost instantly you will see an unmarked user-made trail to the left heading upstream.
Almost immediately you will reach Lower Laurel Falls. Lower Laurel Falls is a fantail waterfall down a steep flat rock.
Middle Laurel Falls
Height: 23.4 feet
Waterfall Coordinates: 41.011694 -75.081714
From Lower Laurel Falls you will see the second waterfall just upstream. Take the user-made trail upstream to reach it. Middle Laurel Falls is about the same height as Lower Laurel Falls, but features two tiers instead of one longer tier as with the lower falls. I personally consider this waterfall the most interesting of the three because of the small pool separating the drops. The scenery of these falls is also the most dramatic with the steep cliffs on either side.
Upper Laurel Falls
Height: 40 feet
Waterfall Coordinates: 41.010606, -75.081744
Most people turn around after reaching Middle Laurel Falls. In fact, there is a third cascade a little further upstream. This is by far the least exciting of the three, despite being the tallest, as it is mostly obscured by the trees and blowdowns.
To get to Upper Laurel Falls, take the same user-made trail from Middle Laurel Falls. This trail will leave the stream as it heads uphill, but remain on it. Note that the trail is less visible here than it was near the lower waterfalls. Soon you will reach the stream again, where you will see the waterfall. As mentioned before, the trees here really obstruct the view of the falls.
Upper Laurel Falls is essentially split into two tiers (which are just feet apart, so it is considered one waterfall). The lower tier is the more visible tier and features a sloping slide.
The upper tier is also a slide but suffers from obstructed views.
From the upper falls, the trail essentially fades away. The best way to return is to hike back down the same way you came. There may be more waterfalls upstream, but they are entirely off-trail in steep terrain. Topographic shaded relief maps do not confirm that there are any.
GPS Route
Attached is the route as described above for reference. Additionally users can download the route to use on their preferred GPS. How to use the GPS routes on your phone.
Additional Information
- Old Mine Road is closed past Worthington State Forest in the winter. The waterfalls are still accessible, but you must access them from Route 80.
- You can also reach Sunfish Pond from Laurel Falls. The best way to do so is to take the Orange Garvey Springs Trail. This is a steep hike and is significantly more difficult than the waterfall hike.
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